He still plays football and he told me how good our academy is. He says jalo and marsh are fantastic. He was disappointed to be released but admits some players were just gifted and all he could do is "try his best". The player didn't want me to give out his name because he's been told by one of our academy players we are even stronger this season.
Anyone at the u21 game last week, would have to agree imo. U18s at home Saturday. Looking forward hopefully to see how they are progressing.
The group of youth players we have at the club atm are the best we’ve had in a long time. If a few of them don’t go on to play for the first team I’d be very shocked. Marsh and Jalo are incredible players and are both starting to prove their doubters wrong.
Marshy had 2 seasons plagued with injuries. Tonight he was f#$%&*& immense he looked like a Gazelle when he came on. Wanted it ,bossed it with big lads defending. Looked like he wanted to prove he wants to wear the shirt. Fair play , young man . Was proud to watch that last 30 minutes.
Didn't even realise Helliwell didn't play for us anymore? And if the OP says he doesn't wanna be mentioned by name, perhaps we shouldn't pry.
I hope he uses the examples of some of our players who came from non-league to see that a step backwards might be better for his long-term career. He might not be good enough *now*, but in a couple of years he could be picked up by a league team if he wants it and works hard enough. Assuming he still wants to play football at the highest level he can.
Have they announced who is in charge of the academy yet? I was talking to a guy who's son was going for an interview last week for the position but not spoken since.
Jordan Helliwell signed for AFC Totton a few weeks ago, ambitious club based near Southampton , they are going places, promoted last year and currently in the southern premier league (step 3) Surprise to see him there as an ex academy player of the year and it being all the way down south
Thanks mate, tbh I didn't. If you hadn't warned me I'd have rocked up. Not be the first time lol. Got there and no game on. Edit just seen it on Newsbot now, thanks again. It might have disappeared to page 2 afore I'd seen it.
The best local player I have ever seen playing in the Barnsley Junior Leagues didn't make it at our academy and a very average player at U13-14 level went on to have a very good career as a pro.
Shepherd signed from Pontefract Collieries. OK only a few games at the moment. Players can mature & rise. Darren Sheridan from Winsford Utd is a better example of "making it" for sure. Best £10k Barnsley ever spent probably...